Hill People Gear packs

[jiwhite86]

So I completely forgot about HPG packs during my search for what seems like the right saddle pack for me. Kind of narrowed it down to the Umlindi or the Connor. They both accept belts now(would most likely run it beltless to begin with), and it looks like there have been a few minimal pockets added, so wondering if anyone had any input one way or the other. I've got 4 novix mini doubles with wire aiders and a Mission platform for my setup.

 

[inarcher711]

I have the Connor V2 with the Recon belt. Love it! I added a couple of zippered pouches to the belt for quick access needs to get up the tree. I’ll try to get a few pics later this evening.


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[Stolencopy]

I have the Connor V2 with the Recon belt. Love it! I added a couple of zippered pouches to the belt for quick access needs to get up the tree. I’ll try to get a few pics later this evening.


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Same. It's amazing.

 

[iamcorey]

Comes down to whether you like a top loader or not. The Connor wings are useful for awkwardly large items, and the mission defnitely qualifies. It might be too wide for the wings requiring you to thread straps through the platform. The capture flap may help in that area.

 

[jiwhite86]

Comes down to whether you like a top loader or not. The Connor wings are useful for awkwardly large items, and the mission defnitely qualifies. It might be too wide for the wings requiring you to thread straps through the platform. The capture flap may help in that area.

I was wondering how well the top loader would work in a tree. I honestly like how things would attach to the Umlindi in my mind’s eye better that the Connor, but not sure how convenient it’ll be once I’m 15’ off the ground. It’s also a slightly shorter bag, and I’m vertically challenged myself, so there’s that.

 

[iamcorey]

I was wondering how well the top loader would work in a tree. I honestly like how things would attach to the Umlindi in my mind’s eye better that the Connor, but not sure how convenient it’ll be once I’m 15’ off the ground. It’s also a slightly shorter bag, and I’m vertically challenged myself, so there’s that.

I’m 5’9” and did not like the Connor. Prefer the Umlindi much more.


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[jiwhite86]

I’m 5’9” and did not like the Connor. Prefer the Umlindi much more.


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Im right there with you. You might have me by a hair depending on my shoes.

 

[jiwhite86]

@iamcorey I saw that you have a tarahumara too. Do you think you could add one of their line pockets to it and handle 4 mini sticks and a platform with it?

 

[iamcorey]

@iamcorey I saw that you have a tarahumara too. Do you think you could add one of their line pockets to it and handle 4 mini sticks and a platform with it?

What’s the purpose of the line pocket in this setup? The LP does not work well with the Tara from what I’ve read. It would limit access to the Tara itself. The compression straps are more than adequate for securing gear.

If you’re looking for extra storage for a Tara I’d suggest checking out Tuff Possum Gear. They have a modified pouch that was made for it.

In my experience, a frame sheet really helps with hauling gear. I use this one and it plenty rigid. https://recycledfirefighter.com/products/rigid-loop-panel-for-12hr-packs. Without it your pack will turn into a soft taco and wrap around the gear IF it is narrower profile. If it’s wider, it may work, but wider means your compression straps will go out before coming back across. Threading though the platform or sticks is the only way around that. If you can avoid plastic buckle to metal contact in the woods then it is silent.

I’ve used and/or owned most of their gear at one time. What I’m left with are two Tara packs, two Recon kit bag, one w/Bino pouch. For saddle hunting in Alabama, the Tara works just fine for moving sticks and a platform in terms of comfort. If it were colder and I was packing in more clothes or wanting to pack out meat, I’d go with the UMlindi and a capture flap. Their whole line is like legos.


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[jiwhite86]

What’s the purpose of the line pocket in this setup? The LP does not work well with the Tara from what I’ve read. It would limit access to the Tara itself. The compression straps are more than adequate for securing gear.

If you’re looking for extra storage for a Tara I’d suggest checking out Tuff Possum Gear. They have a modified pouch that was made for it.

In my experience, a frame sheet really helps with hauling gear. I use this one and it plenty rigid. https://recycledfirefighter.com/products/rigid-loop-panel-for-12hr-packs. Without it your pack will turn into a soft taco and wrap around the gear IF it is narrower profile. If it’s wider, it may work, but wider means your compression straps will go out before coming back across. Threading though the platform or sticks is the only way around that. If you can avoid plastic buckle to metal contact in the woods then it is silent.

I’ve used and/or owned most of their gear at one time. What I’m left with are two Tara packs, two Recon kit bag, one w/Bino pouch. For saddle hunting in Alabama, the Tara works just fine for moving sticks and a platform in terms of comfort. If it were colder and I was packing in more clothes or wanting to pack out meat, I’d go with the UMlindi and a capture flap. Their whole line is like legos.


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I was thinking just an extra layer of compression. I didn't know if it would be needed with the size of the pack, i.e. platform against the bag using the two compression straps, the sticks on top of that with the line pouch compressing them.

Do you have any pictures of your different setups?

 

[iamcorey]

I was thinking just an extra layer of compression. I didn't know if it would be needed with the size of the pack, i.e. platform against the bag using the two compression straps, the sticks on top of that with the line pouch compressing them.

Do you have any pictures of your different setups?

Pm me your number. Having trouble uploading pictures.

It’s not really needed imo. For the Tara, the capture flap would work better for vertical compression and provides a bottom shelf of sorts.


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[mtndragon]

I use an Umlinidi for saddle hunting and small game/turkey hunting. I am running a panel on front with two 5.10 pouches and 4 Petzel gear hooks-this gives a lot of options for carrying stuff up and down the tree, as well as hanging. I added an admin pouch by sewing a velcro panel in the lid. I add the pad if I am hunting from the ground. My favorite tree/day hunting pack for sure.

 

[jiwhite86]

Question for you guys packing sticks and a platform with them…how does it handle without a belt and those kind of loads? Does it flip around much?

 

[iamcorey]

Question for you guys packing sticks and a platform with them…how does it handle without a belt and those kind of loads? Does it flip around much?

None. Now if you are running to your stand, then yes it will flop around.

The HPG shoulder harness kind of drapes your shoulders and the packs I’ve tried from them ride low relative to others I’ve tried. Basically the bottom of the pack is in my lumbar area, and due to the low profile the weight is not away from your back which causes flop in most cases.

Umlindi with a belt is really a lumbar pack. If you read up on it was designed after the hotshot packs used by firefighters out West. Most of the weight is carried on your hips and the shoulder harness is there to provide stability. If you plan on carrying heavy loads over a significant distance, a belt capable pack is a no brainer imo. Platform and sticks are totally doable beltless with these packs. They have a webbing waist strap for their smaller packs if you find you need it.


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[Mengle]

I think the Connor v2 on the Kifaru frame is going to be my go to. Going to try out the Stryker XL, but I’m using a lwcg .5 instead of a small platform this year. Without having my hands on the Stryker yet, I think the Stryker would be better for a saddle platform and the connor for a stand.
I used the connor all last year by itself and liked it. Just not quite enough space by itself when I I needed to pack layers and was going for an all day hunt.


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